Clark Construction shares some brilliant ways to make big changes on a (very) small budget

Want to make a big design/remodeling splash with a small budget? Here's how:

With some creativity and planning, you can make major changes in your home, with minor effort and investment. Clark Construction shares some ways to make a big splash with a small budget.

What You Can Do With Paint

The most economical makeover comes from a couple of cans of paint. Changing the color of your walls and ceiling can dramatically alter the entire room. Go from subtle to vibrant, or from bright to calm.

Don’t stop at the walls. There’s no rule that says your ceiling has to be white. In fact, the harsh contrast of at the top of a colored wall with a white ceiling can shorten the look of a room. Paint the ceiling the same color as the walls, or switch from white paint to a softly colored hue.

Have your kitchen cabinets painted for a completely new look; a professional can handle the factory-baked finish on your cabinets so the result looks great. If you have a bookcase, have the exterior and shelves painted in one color (maybe the same as the wall, to appear like a built-in) and paint the inside back panel a contrasting color.

When choosing an interior paint, opt for a good quality. What you save in lesser paints will cost you when you have to apply multiple coats, thus using more paint! If you’re not sure about colors, get some testers from your paint supply store and try them out in the room you’re going to paint.

Add Molding

A small investment in wood trim can make a big change in a room. Here are some easy ways to use molding in your makeover:

  • Add a chair rail to define a space, and paint above and below the chair rail complementary colors.

  • Install crown molding at the top of your walls. It’s also a great way to finish the top of your kitchen cabinets.

  • Change the trim around your doorways and paint them a color to bring attention to the change.

  • Install wainscoting in an entry, bathroom, mudroom, dining room—or anywhere that you can use this beautiful, textural treatment.

Install Shelves

A bookcase or shelves will not only enhance the look of a room, but also allow for more storage and organization. Have your carpenter construct some built-ins or buy a bookcase or cabinet. Then you can make it look like a built-in by having trim added to the edges and crown molding at the top and bottom.

Shop Your Home

If you have a space that is looking tired and uninspired, go shopping—but do it in your home.

Go from room to room and look for pieces that could be better used elsewhere.

Upholstered furniture, occasional tables, lamps, rugs, and decorative accents are easy to move around and when you mix and match them in a different space, you create a completely different look.

When you want to change the look of a room, remove everything you can. Start with a blank canvas so you’re not stuck with the way it used to be. Begin with a focal piece, which can be anything from a sofa or chair to just a painting or photo on the wall. Decorate the room by adding one piece at a time, building on your color and theme choice. It’s fun and won’t cost you a cent!

Make a Splash

Give your kitchen or bathroom a simple facelift by adding a backsplash. You can purchase ready-made mosaic tile patterns in strips that make it a breeze to apply. Or create your own pattern using a mix of ceramic or glass tiles. Textured tin ceiling tiles make a unique backsplash design.

You can dramatically change the look and feel of a room by adding a window. A remodeler can do this in a day and you’ll be amazed at the difference the added light can make in a space, like a bedroom or living room. You also increase ventilation and add to your view.

Change Your Doors and Hardware.

Doors are often overlooked, but these entryways can be real eye-catchers. Swap your ordinary door for something more interesting or add molding to trim out your current doors and then paint them in contrasting color. Add French doors to create an open look. Change the doors on your kitchen cabinets or closets. Then refresh the old hardware with something different. Browse flea markets for interesting doors, knobs, and hardware. A new façade could make a big difference!

You don’t have to spend a fortune to redecorate or remodel your home. Start by looking for a space in your home that is under-utilized or just plain tired looking. Then browse magazines or the Web for creative ideas. We're happy to talk to you about the possibilities.

 Learn more about Clark Construction here.

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Submitted by Ridgefield, CT

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